Filters are indispensable accessories for all those who expect more from their photography than the standard fare. The right filters help photographers to express themselves and transport their message, for instance by enhancing colors, dramatizing contrasts, or creating special effects. The possibilities are incredibly diverse.

This is a fact which was already known to Walter Biermann and Johannes Weber in the 1940s. And so, in July 1947, they founded the “Optische Spezialwerkstätten Biermann + Weber” in Berlin. This marks the birth of the B+W Filter brand.

After their move to Wiesbaden in 1958, the search for further technical innovations quickly led to a cooperation with Jos. Schneider Optische Werke (Schneider-Kreuznach) who took over business in 1985.

The development of the MRC coating marks a major milestone in the history of B+W Filter. In the mid-1990s, the brand was the first manufacturer worldwide to introduce this technology. And up to today, it is still one of the best coatings on the market. In the 2000s, further research and improvements led to the launch of the MRC nano coating, which brought the anti-reflection technology to a whole new level. In 1988, B+W Filter expanded its portfolio by special polarization filters, developed by the German pioneer Erwin Käsemann.

The quality standards of B+W Filter are state-of-the-art and continuously updated. The heart of every B+W Filter is a polished and finely ground glass substrate. Even the smallest deviations make a big difference in the result of the filters. That is why the strive for high quality standards and further innovations is a matter of prime importance to the German brand.

Today, B+W Filter is celebrating its 75th birthday in a suitable manner and is thinking first and foremost of its customers. Thus, the anniversary year has started very promising by the launch of two new filter lines – BASIC (replacing the F-Pro line) and MASTER (replacing XS-Pro). B+W Filter also introduced a new packaging concept containing high-quality genuine leather cases. And on top, the German brand has once more invested in new safety standards and presented an optimized safety label, to guarantee the authenticity of its filters. Finally, B+W Filter herewith announces a big surprise for the second half of the year.

Milestones of B+W Filter

1 July 1947
Founded in Berlin Johannes Weber and Walter Biermann "Optische Spezialwerkstätten Biermann + Weber".

9 April 1985
Take-over by "Jos. Schneider Optische Werke GmbH Bad Kreuznach“ (Schneider-Kreuznach)

1990
Launch Polarizing Filter according to Käsemann (KSM)

1996
Introduce of MRC coating

2002
Launch Soft Pro

2004
Launch Digital Pro

2010
Launch MRC nano coating

2014
Introduce "HTC High Transmission Circular Käsemann-Polarizer

2018
Introduce of rotating filter mount with upgraded finish for smooth operation

2020
Launch T-Pro

2021
Introduce BASIC and MASTER

2022
75 years of B+W Filter